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New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Program 2025
New Zealand Residency by Investment (RBI) Program 2025
A Complete Guide
Minimum: NZD 5,000,000 +
Processing Time: 12 - 24 months
Return to Golden Visa (Residency by Investment) Countries 2025
Introduction
The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa offers a unique and streamlined opportunity for High-Net-Worth Individuals seeking to obtain New Zealand residency through significant financial investments. This New Zealand Residency by Investment (RBI) program allows investors to live, work, and enjoy all the benefits of New Zealand's stunning environment, excellent healthcare system, and world-class educational institutions. With a focus on economic growth, the New Zealand Investor Visa provides a clear pathway to both New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR) and eventually New Zealand Citizenship.
Country Profile
New Zealand, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is known for its peaceful and stable environment, thriving economy, and high standard of living. As one of the top destinations for investors worldwide, New Zealand provides a safe haven with a transparent regulatory framework, and favourable taxation policies. Investors can explore opportunities in various sectors such as New Zealand Real Estate Development Investments, New Zealand Managed Funds Investment, and New Zealand Direct Business Investments.
The country is also one of the few offering the potential for New Zealand Dual Citizenship, making it a desirable option for those seeking global mobility alongside their investments. The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa is ideal for those who want to become a part of the nation’s economic landscape while enjoying all the advantages that come with New Zealand Economic Residency.
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Official Name: New Zealand
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Capital: Wellington
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Population: Approximately 5.2 million (as of recent estimates)
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Area: 268,021 square kilometres (103,483 sq. mi)
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Location: An island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia.
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Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
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Official Languages: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
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Spoken Languages: English (predominantly), Māori, Samoan, Hindi
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Time Zone: New Zealand Time (NZT), UTC +12; Daylight Saving Time: UTC +13
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Driving Side: Left
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Climate: Temperate maritime climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Average temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) in winter to 72°F (22°C) in summer.
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Government: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
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Major Industries: Agriculture, tourism, forestry, manufacturing
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Main Exports: Dairy products, meat, wood, fruit
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Famous For: Lord of the Rings filming locations, Maori culture, stunning landscapes
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Motto: None officially adopted
Financial Requirements
To qualify for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa, investors must meet specific financial thresholds, divided into two categories based on the level of investment and involvement in New Zealand’s economy.
Growth Category
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Minimum Investment: NZD 5 million
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Investment Term: 3 years
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Investment Type: Active investments in areas like New Zealand Direct Business Investments or New Zealand Managed Funds Investment. Investors must actively contribute to New Zealand’s economic development.
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Residency Requirement: At least 21 days of physical presence in New Zealand over the 3-year investment period.
Balanced Category
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Minimum Investment: NZD 10 million
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Investment Term: 5 years
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Investment Type: A mix of investment vehicles including New Zealand Listed Equities Investment, New Zealand Bonds Investment, New Zealand Property Development Investments, New Zealand Donations or New Zealand Philanthropy.
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Residency Requirement: Minimum of 105 days spent in New Zealand over the 5-year investment period.
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Reduced Residency Option: Investments exceeding NZD 10 million can reduce the residency requirement:
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NZD 11 million: 91 days in New Zealand.
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NZD 12 million: 77 days in New Zealand.
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NZD 13 million: 63 days in New Zealand.
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Investors can diversify their investments across several sectors, thus contributing to New Zealand's economic prosperity while fulfilling visa requirements. These sectors align with New Zealand Investment Funds Investment, offering a wide range of opportunities.
General Requirements
Applicants for the New Zealand Investor Visa must meet certain general requirements in addition to financial commitments:
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Minimum Investment: Investors must make the required investments in New Zealand as specified by the Growth or Balanced category within six months of visa approval.
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English Language Proficiency: The program has removed the English language requirement, streamlining the application process for many potential investors.
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Health and Character: Applicants must meet health and character criteria to qualify for the visa.
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Residency Duration: Investors must reside in New Zealand for the required number of days during the investment period to maintain their residency status.
For individuals aiming for New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR), the Active Investor Plus Visa serves as the initial step toward achieving that goal, followed by eligibility for New Zealand Citizenship once the permanent residency requirements are met.
Family Inclusion
One of the major advantages of the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa is the ability to include immediate family members in the application. Investors can apply for residency for:
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Spouses or Partners: Both legally married and de facto relationships are eligible.
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Children: Dependent children under the age of 24, who are financially dependent on the main applicant, can be included.
This provision allows families to enjoy the benefits of New Zealand residency together, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and all the rights of New Zealand Residency by Investment (RBI).
Benefits
The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa offers several compelling benefits for investors and their families:
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Residency and Citizenship Pathway: The New Zealand Investment Visa program provides a clear route to New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR) and eventual New Zealand Citizenship.
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Access to New Zealand's Robust Economy: Investors gain access to New Zealand's growing economy, with opportunities for investments in New Zealand Real Estate Development Investments, New Zealand Listed Equities Investment, and more.
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High Quality of Life: New Zealand is known for its unparalleled lifestyle, beautiful landscapes, and world-class public services.
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Economic Contribution: By investing in sectors such as New Zealand Property Development Investments and New Zealand Philanthropy, investors contribute to the country's economic growth and community development.
The New Zealand Golden Visa offers these benefits and much more, providing investors with the flexibility and security that comes from holding New Zealand Residency and the potential for New Zealand Dual Citizenship.
Process & Procedures
Navigating the application process for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa is straightforward:
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Review Investment Requirements: Understand which investment category best aligns with your goals, whether it’s the Growth or Balanced category.
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Gather Documentation: Compile financial records, proof of funds, and a clear investment plan. Ensure that the investment meets New Zealand Managed Funds Investment or other acceptable investment categories.
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Submit Application: Complete the visa application form, providing all required documentation. Investors must clearly outline their financial plan for New Zealand Real Estate Development Investments or other areas.
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Execute Investment: Once your visa is approved, the required investments must be made within the stipulated timeframe.
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Meet Residency Requirements: Fulfil the physical presence requirements in New Zealand to maintain residency eligibility.
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Apply for Permanent Residency: After completing the investment period, applicants may apply for New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR) and eventually New Zealand Citizenship.
Throughout the process, applicants should ensure they meet all investment and residency conditions, which could vary depending on their chosen investment vehicles, including New Zealand Bonds Investment or New Zealand Investment Funds Investment.
Conclusion
The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa is a gateway to a prosperous life in one of the world’s most desirable countries. Whether you are looking for New Zealand Second Residency or a permanent investment in a high-growth market, this visa program provides the flexibility, security, and opportunities that High-Net-Worth Individuals seek. With access to diverse investment options, including New Zealand Direct Business Investments, New Zealand Property Development Investments, and New Zealand Philanthropy, the visa ensures both economic benefits and long-term residency prospects.
Investing in New Zealand not only offers a route to residency but a chance to contribute to the country's dynamic economy, setting the stage for potential New Zealand Dual Citizenship.
FAQs
Looking to secure New Zealand Residency by Investment (RBI) through the prestigious New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa program? This powerful and flexible New Zealand Investment Visa pathway unlocks opportunities for investors to live, work, and eventually gain New Zealand Citizenship—with the added benefits of New Zealand Dual Citizenship and favourable New Zealand tax structures.
1. What is the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa?
The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa is a streamlined New Zealand Residency by Investment (RBI) program launched to attract High-Net-Worth Individuals. It replaces the former New Zealand Investor Visa (Investor 1 & 2 categories), with an emphasis on New Zealand Direct Business Investments, New Zealand Managed Funds Investment, and other active capital contributions that strengthen the country’s economy.
2. What are the benefits of applying for this New Zealand Investment Visa?
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A clear pathway to New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR)
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Eligibility for New Zealand Citizenship and New Zealand Dual Citizenship
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Opportunities for family inclusion (partner & children under 25)
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Access to a stable, democratic society with world-class education and healthcare
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Tax transparency and favourable New Zealand tax rules for investors
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Long-term security and the option for a New Zealand Second Residency
3. What are the new investment thresholds under the 2025 update?
Growth Investment Pathway:
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Minimum NZD 5 million over 3 years
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Emphasis on New Zealand Direct Business Investments and New Zealand Managed Funds Investment.
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Residency requirement: 21 days total over 3 years
Balanced Investment Pathway:
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Minimum NZD 10 million over 5 years
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Includes New Zealand Bonds Investment, New Zealand Investment Funds Investment, New Zealand Real Estate Development Investments, and New Zealand Property Development Investments
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Residency requirement: 105 days over 5 years (can be reduced by investing more)
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Reduced Residency Option: Investments exceeding NZD 10 million can reduce the residency requirement:
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NZD 11 million: 91 days in New Zealand.
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NZD 12 million: 77 days in New Zealand.
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NZD 13 million: 63 days in New Zealand.
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4. What types of investments qualify for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa?
Accepted categories include:
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New Zealand Direct Business Investments
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New Zealand Listed Equities Investment (publicly traded companies)
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New Zealand Managed Funds Investment
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New Zealand Bonds Investment (government and local authority bonds)
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New Zealand Real Estate Development Investments (only new builds or value-added commercial property)
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New Zealand Philanthropy and New Zealand Donation to registered charities
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New Zealand Investment Funds Investment managed under New Zealand’s regulatory framework
5. Is this considered New Zealand’s version of a “Golden Visa”?
Yes. While it’s officially titled the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa, many refer to it as the New Zealand Golden Visa due to its high-value residency benefits and prestige in global Residency by Investment (RBI) rankings.
6. Can I invest in New Zealand real estate under this visa?
Yes, under the Balanced Pathway, you can invest in New Zealand Real Estate Development Investments and New Zealand Property Development Investments — but only if:
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The project involves new housing stock (no existing homes)
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The development is value-adding (commercial or industrial)
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The real estate activity supports economic productivity and job creation
7. Are there any tax benefits for investors?
Absolutely. New Zealand tax rules are favourable, especially for new migrants. For up to four years, you may qualify for the transitional resident tax exemption on foreign-sourced income. Plus, New Zealand has no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no general wealth tax, making it a very attractive destination for global investors.
8. Can I include my family in the application?
Yes. You can include your:
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Spouse/partner
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Dependent children (under 25 years of age)
Your entire family gains access to education, healthcare, and full rights to live, work, and study in New Zealand.
9. What is the pathway to New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship?
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Maintain your investment for 4 years
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Meet the minimum physical presence days (21 or 105 depending on pathway)
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Satisfy character and other eligibility criteria
After this period, you can apply for New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR) and eventually New Zealand Citizenship, granting access to a New Zealand passport and New Zealand Dual Citizenship rights.
10. What if I want to make a charitable contribution or donation?
The program allows you to invest via New Zealand Donation or New Zealand Philanthropy — provided it’s to a registered charity. These contributions are weighted at 1x and can be used to partially fulfil your investment total.
11. How long do I have to make the investment after my visa is approved?
After receiving "Approval in Principle", you have 6 months to transfer and invest your funds. A 6-month extension may be granted if you can demonstrate genuine effort and intent.
12. Where can I find a list of approved managed funds or investment opportunities?
Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) publish and regularly update a list of:
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Approved New Zealand Managed Funds Investment providers
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Eligible New Zealand Direct Business Investments
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Sector-specific New Zealand Golden Visa opportunities
13. Can I apply while residing outside of New Zealand?
Yes. You can apply from overseas and make your investment remotely—though you must meet the physical presence days to maintain eligibility for New Zealand PR and Citizenship.
14. Who should consider this visa?
The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa is ideal for:
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High-Net-Worth Individuals seeking New Zealand Economic Residency
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Investors looking for a stable, tax-efficient, family-friendly second home
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Global citizens exploring options for New Zealand Second Residency